Payroll Operations Manager - Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited : Job Details

Your new companyBusiness based to the South of BathYour new roleTo lead the transition of payroll operations in-house (April 2026), ensuring efficient, accurate, and compliant payroll services across the wider company. This pivotal role requires a payroll professional with expertise in pensions, payroll systems, and statutory compliance, as well as experience in implementing payroll software. You will play a key role in driving strategic change, system integration, and continuous improvement, while ensuring full compliance with HMRC and regulatory requirements.Payroll Leadership and Management:

• Lead the payroll team to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees, including the production and validation of payslips, statutory returns, and reports.
• Drive the transition of payroll services in-house, leading the implementation of a new payroll system (April 2026) and ensuring a seamless integration with HR and Finance functions.
• Oversee team development, ensuring training, knowledge-sharing, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation, pension schemes, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance.
• Actively participate in day-to-day payroll operations to ensure practical knowledge of systems and processes, and to provide operational cover when required.

Strategic Payroll System Implementation and Change Management:

• Lead the implementation of payroll software..
• Develop and execute a strategic plan for payroll operations, focusing on automation, process efficiencies, and data accuracy.

Compliance, Auditing, and Reporting:

• Ensure that all payroll operations comply with statutory regulations, including HMRC enquiries, gender pay gap reporting, and pension submissions.
• Liaise with auditors (internal and external) and provide necessary documentation and support during payroll and pension audits.
• Ensure pension scheme administration is accurate and up-to-date, complying with all regulatory requirements.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Communication:

• Work closely with the HR and Finance teams to align payroll processes with wider business, ensuring effective inter-departmental collaboration.
• Communicate payroll updates, changes, and compliance requirements to staff in an accessible and timely manner.
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues on payroll and pension processes, establishing strong, collaborative working relationships.

Financial Accountability and Reporting:

• Ensure accurate payroll costing and financial reporting, providing the Finance Department with data for budgeting, forecasting, and reconciliation purposes.
• Utilise payroll software and reporting tools to extract and analyse data, reconciling payroll costs with budget forecasts.
• Oversee the monthly data extraction process from the system for payroll processing and reporting.

What you'll need to succeed

• Payroll professional qualification (e.g., CIPP or equivalent).
• Proven experience in leading payroll operations, with specific experience in payroll system implementation and managing transitions.
• Extensive knowledge of payroll processes, statutory requirements, and pensions administration in a multi-site or complex organisational environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team, driving change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated experience with payroll software implementation, integration, and optimisation.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in payroll software, Microsoft Office, and Google Docs.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the business.
• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

What you'll get in return

• Great team to work with
• Parking
• Excellent pension
• Staff shop discounts
• Use on site gym/pool
• Free lunches/breakfasts

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. INDHAF

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